Grape seeds used for grape seed extract generally are gathered as a byproduct of wine production. Grape seeds are concentrated sources of certain nutrients, but because people take small amounts of the extract, it does not provide much nutrition. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking grape seed extract.
Benefits
People take grape seed extract for cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis, circulation problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, as noted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Research supports the use of grape seed extract for relieving symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, which involves veins in the legs being unable to effectively return blood to the heart, according to the NCCAM. Grape seed extract also may be effective for treating small blood vessel fragility, and for nerve and eye complications due to diabetes.
Antioxidants
Grape seed extract contains antioxidants that prevent cell damage caused by harmful waste substances called free radicals. Free radicals may contribute to aging and the development of disorders such as heart disease and cancer. The antioxidant activity of grape seed extract is at least partially due to its procyanidin components, which are subunits of proanthocyanidins, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Proanthocyanidins and other phenolic compounds found in grape seed extract also give antioxidant properties to fruits, vegetables, chocolate and tea.
Additional Nutrients
Grape seeds have a high concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs. These chemical compounds also occur in lower concentrations in grape skin, and OPCs are found in grape juice and wine. Grape seed contains various lipids, including the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and the omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid. Grape seed provides the essential amino acids leucine, phenylalanine and valine, and the non-essential amino acids arginine and cystine. The body cannot produce essential amino acids on its own, so they must be obtained through diet.
Usage
The extract is available in bottled liquid as well as capsules and tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends buying products standardized to contain 40 to 80 percent proanthocyanidins or 95 percent or more OPC content. An example of one supplement label shows that each 50-mg capsule of grape seed extract contains 95 percent proanthocyanidins. Because of the low levels of extract consumed, no nutritional values are listed.
Safety
Grape seed extract does not usually cause side effects, and it has been used safely in research with humans for up to eight weeks, according to the NCCAM. Reported side effects by people taking grape seed extract include upset stomach, nausea, dry scalp, dizziness, headache, hives and elevated blood pressure.
Member Comments